Credit for Prior Learning

Purpose

A resident who has extensive experience or skills in the core competencies of the residency program or has already partially completed the requirements of another accreditated residency program* can apply for credit in these areas. This allows the resident to individualize their program to a degree and maximize their learning opportunities. For example, a resident who has extensive experience working in a hospital dispensary may apply for credit for all or a portion of the drug distribution portion of the program.

Procedure

The resident should submit application for credit at least one month prior to the start of the residency year to allow assessment of the application and facilitate planning. The application form can be found here.

Applications should be submitted to the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator, in conjunction with the Program Director will review all applications for credit.

Application for credit must be directly associated with and relevant to at least one of the core competencies of the program: provide evidence-based direct patient care as a member of interprofessional teams, manage and improve medication use systems, exercise leadership, exhibit ability to manage one’s own practice of pharmacy, provide medication and practice-related education, and demonstrate project management skills.

The application should contain evidence of competency associated with the objectives and standards outlined in the Island Health program. The resident should request a copy of the objectives/activities related to the competency that they intend to apply for so they can focus their application and provide direct evidence of their abilities.

Credit granted will not exceed 25% of the total residency training period. The resident can choose to use the extra time to tailor their rotation schedule to address personal learning goals and objectives.

The application should contain the following sections:

Area of competency

Goals and objectives achieved

Evidence of abilities. This could include assessment/evaluation from rotations in another program, signed documentation from a previous preceptor or manager, and performance evaluation from previous employment.

Summary of activities that demonstrate competency and time spent in these activities.

The Program Coordinator and Director may ask for clarification or further documentation to satisfy the requirement for competency after the application is received. This may include a meeting and possibly a test of knowledge or competency in the area.

A final decision will be made by the Program Coordinator and Director.

*Credit for learning objectives or rotations completed at another accredited residency program will only be granted if these have been completed within 24 months prior to entering the Island Health program.